Vietnam, Laos enhance comprehensive cooperation
Vietnam and Laos will take advantage of each other’s potential and strengthen bilateral relations on the principle of equality for mutual benefit.
This commitment was reached during talks between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and Lao State President Chummaly Saynhaxon in Vientiane on April 13.
Mr Manh confirmed that Vietnam attaches a great deal of importance to tightening its relationship with Laos to promote the revolutionary cause of each country, as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
The two leaders exchanged information about the situation in both countries and discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.
They talked about ways of boosting the traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
Both parties agreed to enhance bilateral ties in accordance with the spirit of independence and self-reliance.
They emphasised the need to promote the exchange of visits by senior Party officials and to share their experiences in implementing the renewal process and Party building work. They pledged to create even better conditions to expand cooperation and exchanges between the ministries, agencies and committees of both countries.
They stressed on the importance to boost economic cooperation, diversify trade relations and encourage investment in both countries. They agreed to step up measures to strengthen cooperation in national security and defence, fight against hostile forces and also trans-national crime.
The Vietnamese Party leader and the Lao State President vowed to closely coordinate at regional and international forums and conferences, thus helping to ensure peace and stability in the Mekong sub-region, Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.
Vietnam and Laos will continue to work together in searching for the remains of fallen combatants and completing the planting of border markers, they said.
The two leaders also reached a consensus on promoting mutual understanding amongst the younger generations of both countries, and worked out specific measures to increase the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in education, training and developing human resources.
They approved a plan to organise a Lao culture week in Vietnam in 2010 to promote cultural and sporting exchanges between the two countries.
On the occasion, Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh donated over VND50 billion to help Laos build a school in Luangprabang province.
Mr Manh also invited President Chummaly Xaynhaxon to visit Vietnam at a convenient time, and the Lao President accepted the invitation with pleasure.